Learning Theories By:Lisseth Rivas

Definition Encarta Dictionary Defines Learning Theory as the “theory of behavior conditioning: the theory that behavior can be explained in terms of how people and animals learn to respond to a stimulus, especially learning by rewards and punishments operant conditioning and learning by association classical conditioning.”

Three Learning Theories

Behaviorism The theory of B.F. Skinner is based upon the idea that learning is a function of change in overt behavior. Changes in behavior are the result of an individual's response to events (stimuli) that occur in the environment. For Information about Behaviorism click here.

Information Processing Uses the analogy of a computer to illustrate how the mind process information. Focuses on internal processes instead of strictly external events. Proposes that the mind has three different memory stores that work in succession to register, process, store, and retrieve information. For More info about Information Processing click here.

Constructivism A major theme in the theoretical framework of Bruner is that learning is an active process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon their current/past knowledge. The learner selects and transforms information, constructs hypotheses, and makes decisions, relying on a cognitive structure to do so. Cognitive structure (i.e., schema, mental models) provides meaning and organization to experiences and allows the individual to "go beyond the information given". For more Information about Constructivism click here.

Summary Behaviorism Information Processing Constructivism Behavior can be modified through contingencies of reinforcement whereby a learner can be condition to exert the desired responses. Uses the analogy of a computer to illustrate how the mind processes information. Focuses on internal processes instead of strictly external events. Humans construct all knowledge in their minds by participating in experiences.Learning occurs when a person constructs their own unique version of that knowledge. Teach positive reinforcement of how to use computers. Educational software used to develop perquisite skills Multi-media used to present content during instruction. Computers and other technologies to foster creativity. Problem solving and multi-media software gets students to think about how they think.

About Presentation In my PowerPoint presentation I selected to go with a background that has a white board and a night lamp. I concluded since the assignment was going to be about learning theories, the slides should be related to the topic. Also, I tried looking for animations that were related to learning theories. I chose a walking light bulb because it symbolizes new ideas and the learning theories are ways to improve teaching. For the clip art, I chose a girl jumping and a classroom environment. Both clip arts are related to children and school. Finally for slide transition, I wanted a page to have a different transition to spice up the presentation a bit. As for the content of the presentation, I tried putting what each learning theory was about. I chose to omit criticisms of the learning theories. The websites includes more information of each learning theory. Plus the PowerPoint presentation was more of an outline.